Article
Russia Unleashes Massive Drone Barrage on Ukraine Amid High-Stakes Peace Talks in Washington
Summary
Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles on Ukraine during peace talks in Washington, as leaders debated ceasefire terms and territorial concessions.
In a dramatic intensification, Russia launched its largest August airstrike on Ukraine, shooting 270 drones and 10 missiles overnight. The bombardment occurred when a crucial summit was convened in Washington, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders to chart a course to peace.
Ukraine's air defense forces reported downing 30 drones and six missiles, but 40 drones and four missiles nonetheless struck 16 locations, causing fires at power plants in Poltava and damaging infrastructure in Volgograd. There were no casualties, but the level of damage was significant.
The timing of the attack underscored the fragility of present diplomacy. Trump, freshly back from a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, indicated that Ukraine could bring an instantaneous end to the war if it relinquished territory in Donetsk. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's demand for full sovereignty and security guarantees before any talk of territory.
Russia's intentions were viewed skeptically by Western leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron stating Putin's goal remains territorial conquest. Discussion of a "Coalition of the Willing" to patrol post-war security guarantees gained momentum, though the U.S. stopped short of committing troops.
Zelenskyy was thankful in tone at the summit as he tried to rebuild trust after a contentious Oval Office meeting earlier in the year. Peace remains a treacherous route notwithstanding diplomatic outreach attempts since both sides are entrenched and combat continues.